Plus: Creative playmaker with great hands and vision... Above average skater, fluid & agile with good speed... Solid defensively... A willing hitter... not afraid of the physical play...

Minus: Motivation and desire questioned in the past... Inconsistent... High risk, high reward player...

Organizational Comments: “I want to see (Ritola), though. He played real well in exhibition. He can skate, protect the puck, and he’s got tempo in his game.” Wings Coach Mike Babcock

What GRC says:2009-10: Ritola came back from a mid season audition in Detroit a new player. He showed great chemistry with Abdelkader and caught fire down the stretch, scoring at a torrid pace and missing his first 20-goal season by one. He plays a strong two-way game and can do things with the puck that very few can. He is out of waiver options next season, and should see time as the 13th forward in Detroit next season where coach Babcock already likes his game. 2008-09: Ritola had a nightmare second half as a bad shoulder ruined what started out to be a breakthrough season for the talented forward. The slick winger gets full marks for returning weeks early from surgery and playing through the pain while call-ups and injuries decimated his team. At times when he could barely even move his arm, he would take a regular shift, though with very limited effectiveness.2007-08: Much like fellow Swede Ericsson, Ritola quietly improved throughout the season. The heady winger does so many things so well, that there is no telling how good he could be. He possesses world class skills, a nice frame, fluid skating, and uncanny on-ice vision. Unfortunately Ritola is also fighting through the rookie inconsistencies offensively. The good news is that Mattias was one of the team's best defensive forwards, so even when his name wasn't on the score sheet, he was making things happen. With a year of seasoning under his belt including a stint in the NHL, look for next season to be a breakout season for the talented Swede. Spring 2007:With questions about his work ethic and desire, he needs to come in and really work hard to impress the wings. When he is "on", he is a crafty offensive player with game breaking ability.